The domestic laser hair removal market is growing, but the treatment requires care; expert warns of some contraindications
Hair is present all over the body and there are reasons for this. Whether on the feet or on the head, hair has the function of regulating body temperature, offering protection and promoting the elimination of perspiration. But for some people, they are real nuisances. That’s why many seek, through laser waxingnip them in the bud.
It is no coincidence that the procedure has become one of the markets with the greatest growth potential within the healthcare, aesthetic and national panorama Welfare🇧🇷 The evaluation is by Danielle Van Straten, director of Health and Beauty Commission of the Brazilian Franchising Association (ABF), which represents the Brazilian franchise system. The numbers show this growth: there are almost 3,000 shops currently associated with the ABF that perform laser hair removal throughout the country. This represents an increase of 79% compared to 2020 and 30% compared to 2021. “It is a growing market which, although it seems saturated, is not and can be increased tenfold in the coming years”, assesses Danyelle.
With the treatment becoming more and more common among Brazilians, care should be taken before and after the procedure. Performing laser hair removal safely is the best way to ensure the expected results.
What is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is an aesthetic procedure that promises to eliminate or reduce the amount of hair in any area of the body. But it has one difference: the time for new strands to appear is usually longer than with other forms of hair removal.
This happens because the laser directly hits the area where the hair germ cells are located and melanin – a protein found in the body that gives color to the strands – plays a vital role in this. “The light from the laser equipment is absorbed by the melanin and, through it, reaches the root of the hair,” explains Maria Luiza Pires, dermatologist in the laser department of Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD)🇧🇷 The reduction or elimination of hair is the result of this interaction between light and the treated body region.
“The goal of laser hair removal is not to eliminate the number of hairs to zero. We manage to eliminate about 20% of them”, explains the doctor. Therefore, for a satisfactory result, it is necessary to perform an average of 5 sessions, which may be a little more or less. The time of each session is also very specific and can vary according to the treated area. “The underarm treatment will take about 20 minutes, while on the leg it can take about an hour.”
Can anyone do it?
Not all people can undergo the treatment and this, as the dermatologist explains, can only be defined by a doctor. However it is certain that pregnant women should not opt for laser hair removal, as the procedure can promote the appearance of spots on the skin and cause harm to the child’s health.
People with black or tanned skin are not prohibited from carrying out the procedure, but they need special attention. This is because, depending on the type of laser used, it can cause spots and burns on the skin. “In these cases, there are devices with a longer wavelength that serve these patients better, but only the dermatologist will know which equipment is best for this skin type.”
There are still other cases of relative contraindications. They are: people with a tendency to scars keloid type; carriers of autoimmune diseases, such as vitiligo; people with skin lesions caused by psoriasis; patients with a hormonal disorder that generates excess hair; and people with a family history of cancer, even if the procedure has no carcinogenic potential. “The medical evaluation is important so that the patient does not invest time and money and does not have a good result,” she reflects.
For those people who are more sensitive to pain, there are solutions. “Applying an anesthetic cream or using a source of cold air on the skin during the procedure already minimizes the discomfort,” says the doctor.
What care to take?
Laser hair removal requires care before and after the procedure. See recommendations.
Before the procedure
- Stay of at least four weeks without exposure to the sun.
- Do not artificially tan or use self-tanning products.
- Do not use any hair removal methods in the month prior to the procedure that pull out the hair by the root, such as tweezing, waxing, and electrolysis.
- Suspend, at least three days before the session, the use of any medicine applied to the depilation site.
- Inform the doctor in charge of the procedure if you use oral medications.
After the procedure
- It is common to observe a slight redness and burning in the treated area which disappears in a few hours. If symptoms persist, notify your doctor.
- Avoid sun exposure during treatment.
- Changes in skin color may occur, with light or dark patches, but these return to normal within a few weeks. If not, notify your doctor.
- If the laser is applied to the armpit region, the recommendation is not to apply deodorant to the area on the same day.
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Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
